Cal: Is it done yet?
Russa: No. You're in this chappie anyways
Cal: Oh. Cool. Russa does not own HMC
Sophie paced back and forth before the hearth, wringing her hands. "I just don't understand where he could be! He said he'd be home weeks ago!" Calcifer sighed, "Look, Sophie, he probably saw something interesting and went off on some wild adventure. Howl is like that."
The young woman plopped into a chair and buried her face in her hands, "I know, but I can't help but worry." Calcifer gasped, "Who?" Sophie jerked up out of her chair and spun around.
Muda stood there, regarding her calmly. The shadowperson asked, "Are you Sophie?" The young woman nodded slowly, "Yes. Why do you want to know?"
Muda smiled reassuringly and held up her hands, "My name is Muda. I am a shadowperson. I bring news of Howl. He was attacked by the minions of some human named Suliman while flying this way. He fell a couple thousand feet and crashed headlong into the side of the mountain I call home. I have been tending his many wounds for the past few weeks. He is doing better, though still unable to move."
Sophie grabbed Muda's hands, "Can you take me to him? I want to see for myself." The shadowperson drew away, "No. I don't trust you humans. That's why I live in the deepest part of the mountains." "Please! I must see how he's doing for myself." Sophie pleaded.
Calcifer flared up in the hearth, "I will vouch for this human. She can be trusted, I promise you." Muda snorted, "The promise of a demon. Well, I suppose it's better than the promise of a human. Come here, Sophie."
The young woman obliged, and gasped when Muda grabbed her and pulled her in close. "Don't let go of my hands, and you might want to close your eyes." The shadowperson wrapped her wings around the two of them and they both disappeared into the shadows.
russarussarussarussarussarussarussarussarussa
Howl opened his eyes when he heard a whoosh. Muda appeared and smiled down at him, "There's someone here to see you." Sophie bent down over him, "Howl!" The wizard grinned up at her, "Hi, Sophie. I'm sorry to have made you worry so much."
She shook her head, flinging her tears off her cheeks, "I'm just glad you're okay." Muda stepped in, "Yes, he should make a full recovery, but it's going to take some time. He won't even be able to move for at least a couple more days. Now, it's time for you to leave." Sophie nodded. The young woman kissed Howl quickly, then allowed Muda to teleport her back to the castle.
Howl relaxed back onto the sheets and fell asleep with his caretaker redressing his many wounds.